Hills Rugby Club Expands Their Reach
The Hills Rugby Club, founded 65 years ago, is gearing up for the 2025 season with training starting in early January.
It is one of the leading rugby union clubs in The Hills District, with a very strong grassroots organisation starting with the minis.
Hills Rugby Club, whose home base is Yattenden Oval, Baulkham Hills, have junior boys and girls teams (U10-U16), plus Colts and seniors. Four grade sides take part in the in the NSW Suburban Rugby Division 2 competitions. Club coach Matthew Brinnand said they plan to field a Colts team (U17 to U21) for the 2025 season.
Matthew’s family have been closely involved with Hills Rugby Club for more than 40 years, starting with his Dad Craig and Mum Kerri, who have been serving on the committee for a long time. Current president Craig is among the longest serving members, having started his career with the minis.
In addition to Matthew, his brother Mick captains the first grade side, cousin Adam coaches the second grade with Jeremy Lawlor, while Adam’s wife Siobhan serves as secretary.
“I’ve been involved with the club for 26 years as I was four when I started playing,” Matthew said. “We have junior girls teams with the ultimate goal that these girl progress through and can help us start up our first-ever Open women’s 15s or sevens team.” As with all other sports in the Hills, rugby has its challenges in attracting players each season.
“In such a condensed market in the Hills District, it’s very much a social media presence to help market the club,” Matthew said. “It’s also through word of mouth of players and showing their mates what the club is about and creating an environment where they don’t want to go anywhere else.
Asked to comment on the planned move by Sydney rugby powerhouse Eastwood Rugby to Castle Hill within the next few years, Matthew said it is an interesting scenario.
“I guess only time will tell how it impacts our club as well as others around the area,” he said. “Let’s hope it will be on the positive side for rugby in The Hills district.”
The senior teams start training on January 13. with the 14-round NSW Suburban Rugby Division 2 competitions starting April. To join the club, contact [email protected] or follow them on social media.
